By Our Correspondent
LAHORE — The 77th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Razi Ahmed, with senior officials, cultural luminaries, and board members in attendance. The session marked a significant step forward in Alhamra’s mission to preserve and promote Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage.
Key outcomes of the meeting included the approval of the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, endorsement of accelerated cultural programming, and detailed proposals for the modernization of Alhamra Mall and Cultural Complexes. These upgrades aim to enhance infrastructure and expand creative engagement opportunities across Lahore.
Chairman Razi Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Government of Punjab, the Department of Information & Culture, and Secretary Information & Culture Mr. Tahir Raza Hamdani for their continued support.
“Alhamra is moving in the right direction,” he stated. “Our autonomous board continues to make thoughtful, progressive decisions, and we remain committed to elevating this institution in line with its cultural legacy.”
Executive Director Syed Touqeer Haider emphasized the Council’s commitment to executing the board’s vision:
“We are fully mobilized to implement the board’s recommendations. Alhamra greatly benefits from the collective wisdom and deep expertise of our esteemed board members.”
The meeting was attended by Secretary Information & Culture Tahir Raza Hamdani, along with Noman Kabir, Suhail Warraich, Qudsia Rahim, Nayyer Ali Dada, Prof. Salima Hashmi, Nadeem Shahid, Imran Qureshi, Sofia Bedar, Dr. Qaiser Sharif, Samina Naseem, Rabia from the Finance Department, and Ahmed Shah, who participated online.
Among the additional decisions taken were the proposed renaming of Alhamra’s halls in honor of iconic literary and cultural figures, and the presentation of a financial performance report for the past year. The board also commended the Government of Punjab for its ongoing improvement initiatives for Alhamra.
A unified call was made by the board to further enhance Alhamra’s environment for artists and audiences alike. Members stressed the importance of preserving the building’s historical essence while implementing a comprehensive strategy for restoration and modernization.
The Lahore Arts Council continues to serve as a cornerstone of cultural expression in Pakistan, with this latest meeting reinforcing its evolving legacy and its commitment to artistic excellence.
